Arts and Culture

A Downtown Proof Point of How Garland Is Making What’s Old New Again

Garland’s thriving arts and culture scene drives creative business growth and community vitality. As a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, the city champions live music and supports music-focused enterprises. Year-round cultural events, performances, exhibits and seasonal celebrations attract visitors, engage residents and strengthen the local creative economy.

Aerial view of downtown Garland filled with people surrounding a pop-up concert stage.

Downtown Activation

Music Made Here Concert Series

The first Friday of every month, the Downtown Garland Square comes alive with the Music Made Here Concert Series. This year-round series features live performances, often showcasing many local artists, along with great food and family-friendly activities.

Woman looking at an album cover in a local music record shop.

Music Friendly

Music Friendly Texas Certified Community

Garland’s designation as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Music Office recognizes the City’s commitment to supporting and expanding music-focused economic development. Awarded in 2025 by the Texas Music Office, the certification highlights efforts to attract music-related businesses, strengthen industry resources and grow local job opportunities as part of the state’s dynamic music industry.

Front view of the Granville Arts Center building in the evening with a brightly lit walkway.

A Public Investment Anchoring Downtown

The Granville Arts Center

Located in historic Downtown Garland, the Granville Arts Center complex features two magnificent proscenium theaters, the award-winning Atrium banquet facility and the exquisite art deco Plaza Theatre. All venues are City-owned and operated. The Granville Arts Center serves as the performance arts anchor of Downtown Garland. Each year, more than 100,000 patrons enjoy symphony performances, musicals, ballets, stage plays and concerts. The theaters are also available for private events.

  • Brownlee Auditorium – 720 Seats

  • Small Theatre – 200 Seats

  • Plaza Theatre – 350 Seats

People milling about an artistic downtown rotunda with a colorful and geometric awning.

A State-Designated Creative Corridor in Downtown Garland

Bankhead Cultural Arts District

The Bankhead Cultural Arts District runs through Downtown Garland, energizing the city with live music, vibrant murals and spontaneous jam sessions in pocket parks. Named for the historic Bankhead Highway, one of America’s earliest transcontinental routes, the district reflects the highway’s lasting economic and cultural impact while highlighting the city’s creative community and spirit. The Bankhead Cultural Arts District was designated an official Cultural District by the Texas Commission on the Arts in 2023.

View Bankhead Map here
Exterior view of the Garland Landmark Museum.

Preserving History in Downtown Garland

Landmark Museum

The Landmark Museum, housed in Garland’s historic Santa Fe Depot since 1974, offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Visitors can explore local artifacts highlighting Garland’s people, commerce and industry. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with special arrangements available for private group tours and appointments for at-risk populations.

Festivals and Events That Demonstrate Year-Round Demand in Downtown Garland

Throughout the year, Garland is alive with cultural and seasonal events, offering something for everyone. From music, art and dance performances to festivals, holiday celebrations and community gatherings, the city showcases its creativity, diversity and community spirit.

The Asian American Heritage Festival, held annually each May in the Downtown Garland Square, celebrates the vibrant heritage and cultural diversity of Asian Pacific American communities. The free outdoor event features live performances, a colorful walking parade, a lion dance with firecrackers, crafts and fashion, art exhibits and student performances.

The City of Garland hosts its annual Juneteenth Celebration in the Downtown Square, as a commemoration of emancipation. The event includes live entertainment, local food, a children’s activity area and a Juneteenth Art Exhibit inspired by freedom and unity, which carries over to the Epiphany Gallery after the event.

Día de los Muertos Celebration in Garland is a free event honoring the community’s heritage and the memories of past loved ones. The celebration, organized by the City of Garland, Garland ISD, community leaders and International Leadership of Texas, showcases colorful costumes, live music and performances, along with movie screenings, food trucks, a holiday market, art activities and exhibits.

Garland transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas on the Square. The annual holiday celebration offers fun for the whole family with festivities that include a tree-lighting ceremony, live music, snow tubing, ice skating, train rides, photos with Santa, arts and crafts, a holiday market and more.

Other community favorites include the Urban Market, the Wheels of Hope Car Show and signature festivals like the Garland Guzzler 0.5K Race and Fall Fest.